B’nai B’rith International commends the Republic of Panama for suspending diplomatic ties with Syria. Panama is so far the only Latin American country to do so.

“We are pleased that Panama has taken this crucial stand against the systematic human rights violations that continue to plague a Syria riddled by violence,” said B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs.

Since the beginning of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad 13 months ago, an estimated 12,000 Syrians have been killed. Most recently, 100 civilians were massacred in the Syrian town of Houla.

“Panama’s decision to suspend diplomatic relations with Syria sends a strong signal to Assad and his followers that the slaughter must end. The Assad policy is, in the end, a one-way street to oblivion. We hope other countries in the region will also follow suit and choose to sever diplomatic relations with this dictatorship,” said B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin.